No Kidding: The Complete Guide to Children’s Day Events

Every day feels like Children’s Day when you’re a parent, but things tend to kick up a notch in kid-obsessed China on June 1 every year. This time, the holiday falls on Sunday. Hotels, play centers, and other organizations will be hosting a slew of kids’ activities this weekend. Here’s a roundup.

Saturday, May 31

Fun, Games, and Music in the ParkNew Century Women’s and Children’s Hospital hosts a day of fun at Wanghu Park with free medical consultations, live music, dance performances, a clothing drive, and dozens of booths with food, drinks, clothes, and toys for sale. Free. 10am-4pm. To join, send an SMS to 138 1058 2840 with your name, mobile number, and number of attendees.

Little Chef Class: Parents and Kids Cupcake Madness Ages 4-12. FACTORY hosts a pre-Children’s Day class in which parents and children will mix, measure, sift, stir, and decorate cream-filled cupcakes to eat or take home. The price includes ingredients, instruction from Executive Chef Camila Betin, recipes, and aprons. Pre-mixed cupcake jars will also be on sale. Registration required (call 156 1108 0348). RMB 250. 10am-noon.

Open Day at Atelier Ever been curious about Atelier’s art classes for kids? Swing by the open house to talk to co-founders Marianne and Anais, do art activities, and learn more about the art school. Special discount available for those who want to register for next semester’s classes. Free. 3-6pm.

Sunday, June 1

Children’s Fairy Tale Festival In cooperation with the Scandinavian Tourism Board, UCCA will host a festival to celebrate both Children’s Day and the anniversary of Danish children’s author Hans Christian Andersen. There will be face painting, Danish cookies, refreshments, art activities with a fairy tale twist. Kids can also dress up like a fairy tale character and submit their photo online to win a trip to Denmark. Free (registration required). 2-5pm. Call 5780 0202/03 or email info@creative-studio.cn to register.

Ahoy Matey Brunchbaby international hosts a Children’s Day brunch at its Pirate Bay restaurant in Lido, inviting young diners to dress as pirates or mermaids. There will be treasure hunting, storytelling, pizza making, a quiz, games, and prizes. The buffet selection includes Matey’s Meat Picks, First Mates Fruits, Capt’s Cookies, and ice cream. Hurry! Today’s the last day to register. RMB 199 (adults and kids over 3), free for kids under 3. 10am-1pm. Call 8450 1589 to book a table.

Sunday Family Fun at Traders Upper East Hotel, Beijing Head to the Sunday brunch at Traders Upper East Hotel for a bouncy castle and free access for each paying adult to the health club and swimming pool. Café Noir: RMB 358 (two adults and up to two kids under 12). Wulixiang: RMB 158 per person (seven-course set menu). Prices subject to 15% surcharge. 11am-2pm.

Ice Cream Social at The Schoolhouse at Mutianyu Kids are invited to make their own sundae, banana split, or ice cream float with a variety of toppings at The Schoolhouse’s ice cream bar. For a review of The Schoolhouse’s accommodations, click here. RMB 36 for a big bowl or mug. 11am-4pm.

Live and Artistic Outdoor BBQ Pool PartyDoubleTree by Hilton Beijing kicks off the summer with a pool party and barbecue on the Roof Garden. There will be live music, modern artworks on display, barbecued meat and seafood, burgers, salads, desserts, foosball, swimming, and a children’s area with painting, slides, and toys. RMB 228 (includes food, beverages, and access to pool), add RMB 58 for free-flow wine and beer, add RMB 128 for free-flow wine, beer, and two kinds of cocktails. Half price for kids over 1.2m, free for kids under 1.2m. Noon-4pm. To reserve, call Jessica Yang at 6338 1999 ext 1628.

Angry Birds Brunch For Children’s Day, Scene a Café at China World Hotel is having an Angry Birds-themed brunch with a play center, mascots, and food selections inspired by the video game. RMB 358, half-price for ages 6-12, free for kids under 5. 11.30am-2.30pm.

Aquaponics Workshop Calling all tinkerers and science nerds! The Bookworm is hosting a workshop about building your own aquaponics system, a type of symbiotic ecosystem that allows you to grow and care for your own plants and animals. “Aquaponics” is a combination of aquaculture and hydroponics. Registration required. RMB 300 (includes materials). 12pm. Email order@beijingbookworm.com to reserve your spot.

All Weekend

Lightwire Theater: Darwin the Dinosaur Lightwire Theater comes to China for the first time with Darwin the Dinosaur, a narrative light show about “a friendly dinosaur who wanders away from home and discovers a world of creatures who light up the darkness and help him find the true meaning of love.” Blending puppetry, technology, and dance, the show runs until June 2 at the National Centre for Performing Arts. RMB 80-400. 2.30pm or 7.30pm, depending on the day.